The Gardening Year

Watch out for

Mealybugs: Isolate the plant and treat infested areas with a systemic insecticide or alcohol-dipped cotton bud.

Root rot: Ensure well-drained compost and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Vine weevil: Use nematodes in warm soil or apply a systemic insecticide drench during active growth.

Slugs and snails: Apply slug pellets or use beer traps around the base of the plant, especially in damp conditions.

Bulb rot: Plant bulbs at the correct depth in sharp sand or loam-based compost with excellent drainage.